Droid 2 Case Review: Body Glove Snap-On Case

When looking for a case for my Motorola Droid 2, the Body Glove Snap-On Case immediately caught my eye as one of the top contenders. Cases are generally one of the accessories that I am most hesitant to purchase due to my compulsive personality and I tend to overanalyze the design, protection, bulk and comfort. Body Glove is a trusted brand that provides a lot of protection and generally tries to keep the bulk of the case to a minimum so I decided to give it a shot. Let's look at it further after the break.

Nexus S teaser video now available for your viewing pleasure

Yesterday during the Web 2.0 summit we got a brief look at Google CEO Eric Schmidt showing off Gingerbread -- Android 2.3 as well as, the now infamous "unannounced" device also known as the Nexus S. While it's time on stage was brief, it was more than enough to have us wanting to see more. A few goodies were noted after Eric stepped off stage as well. Remember that "blink off" video of the screen we previously saw powering down? It's pretty awesome. What's even more awesome is that it's still included, as noted by the folks over at Engadget. Hit the break for the full embed of the video. Thanks to everyone who sent this in!

Google experimenting Goggles integration with key advertisers

Google has announced that they'll be ramping up their Google Goggles efforts with some key advertisers. While it's still only in the experimental stages, Google has signed up Buick, Disney, Diageo, T-Mobile and Delta Airlines to do market testing of Google Goggles. Soon, we'll be seeing "Goggles enabled" ads spread across movie posters, print ads and other marketing media.

The goal of course is to have users recognize the Goggles enabled items and make use of their devices to explore the online destinations being offered. Those destinations could be say, an interactive ad from Disney or Buick as shown above. As it's still experimental it might be a while before we see any show up but if you spot some let us know. Download links for Google Goggles and video of the experiment are after the break. [Google Mobile Blog]

Lookout premium now available, we have 10 copies to give away [contest]

Lookout, the popular cross-platform mobile security solution, has announced the availability of Lookout Premium -- the advanced version with extra features like the privacy advisor, remote lock and wipe, and enhanced backup and restore. We took a look at it a few weeks back -- check it out here. The app provides quite a bit for $2.99 a month ($29.99 annually), and the free 30 day trial lets you have a look and try the extras out for yourself. To try it, just install the free version from the Market (links after the break) and update from within the application.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab is quite the (expensive) device and is on nearly ever carrier imaginable, and people are looking for any and every way to maximize their use of the device. What better way to ensure you are equally as productive on your new Galaxy tab as your computer then to add a separate mouse and keyboard to the device to make navigation even easier. Check the video after the break to see it all come together in action. Thanks to everyone who sent this in!

Samsung Galaxy S available now on Cellular South

The Samsung Galaxy S is available today on Cellular South. This version of the phone resembles the Fascinate on Verizon. Though Bing Maps and Bing Search are pre-loaded on the phone, this device is centered around Google's apps. The Galaxy S is the fourth Android device to hit the regional carrier in the past 12 months, giving consumers good choices when deciding on a handset.

If you're a Cellular South customer and have been in search of a solid Android handset, Samsung's Galaxy S is an attractive option. The phone is available for $199 (after a $50 mail-in rebate) with a 2-year service contract. [Business Wire]

Comcast Xfinity Android app first look

Waiting on the Comcast Xfinity Android app and tired of seeing it on the iPhone and iPad? No worries. We've got you covered. Here it is running on the venerable Sprint Hero. We're told it's plenty snappy and has the myDVR management built in, which is nice.

We still don't know exactly when it'll be available for Android, but it's currently in testing, so that's a good sign. We've got more pics of it in action after the break. [Xfinity] Thanks, anon!

HTC named 'Technology Brand of the Year' by UK's T3 magazine

HTC has been on quite a roll this past year, and UK-based T3 (a technology and gadgets magazine) has rewarded the company with their prestigious "Technology Brand of the Year" award. Editor Luke Peters cited "solid handset performance" alongside a "determined yet humble brand personality" as leading reasons for the award, which doesn't come as a surprise as the company has nabbed smartphone of the year awards the past two years (HTC Hero last year, HTC Desire this year). Last year's brand was none other than Google's Android OS, so HTC is certainly in good company. "Quietly Brilliant", indeed. [HTC]

Giorgio Armani and Samsung set to release a Galaxy S handset, will carry hefty price [from the forums]

The Galaxy S phones keep coming, as a device has popped up showing off the Giorgio Armani brand name. From the pictures the phone looks exactly the same as the Captivate, which is the AT&T version of the device. To differentiate it from the rest of the bunch, it seems that it will release with some more multimedia options pre-installed along with the trendy props users will get once sporting a phone with the Giorgio Armani name. As expected, it will carry a hefty price tag, rumored to be €700. If you are a huge fan of Giorgio Armani and Android, your dreams are about to come true. Hands-on video's after the break. [via Engadget]

LG Star: Dual-core Tegra 2 in 2011

We've always said that its U.S. offerings notwithstanding, LG really can crank out smartphone hardware when it wants to -- see the Optimus Z for a current example. What's coming next? Why, that's a 4-inch dual-core Tegra 2 phone you see above you, according to Engadget's tipster. It's sporting an 8-megapixel camera, front-facing camera, 1500mAh battery, 1080p video recording -- and needs to be in my hands, like, now. OK, OK. But it's said to be coming in early 2011, so here's to hoping it makes an appearance at CES in January. [Engadget]

Android Central & Android Fan Store sticker giveaway! [contest]

Sometime early last week I decided it was time to add a bit of Android flare to my car. After a quick bit of Googling, I came across Android Fan Store. In search of a vinyl Android bumper sticker, I began browsing their inventory, looked at some buyer feedback, and within minutes had placed an order for this guy here, in the 6.5" x 5.55" flavor. Five days and $6.32 later, it arrived in my mailbox (along with a couple free stickers, one of which being a four-inch CyanogenMod logo). I (carefully) tore into the envelope like a kid on Christmas, and shortly after, had its contents stuck to the rear window of my car.

I was so impressed by the quality of the decals, added freebies, low cost, and speedy free shipping, that I simply had to share these stickers with our awesome readers. So that's what we're going to do.

Android Fan Store and Android Central have teamed up to give away some assorted Android stickers and decals to three lucky forum members. Not only that, but one of the three winners will also receive an Android t-shirt! They may even surprise the winners with some extra goodies as well, so don't drag your feet!

How to enter?

All you've gotta do is head over to the forums, reply to this thread, and tell us where you'd place your Android stickers. They come in varying sizes and colors, so let's see what you've got. Good luck! Contest ends at 11:59 p.m. EST Saturday, Nov. 20

There's a five-star rating system and smiley-face/frowny-face options on food, service, atmosphere and value. Next step: Check-ins. (By the way: If you're even in Pensacola, don't miss McGuire's.) [Google Lat-Long blog]

Google Maps, Street View updated

Google Maps just got itself a little update to Version 4.7. And as you can see above, you can now rate plates (as in Google Places) to get personalized recommendations, and add a widget to your home screen to make it that much quicker. (How long before you let us check in, Google?) Street View also got itself a little bump, which is nice. We'll have to poke around this one and see if there are anymore Gingerbread Easter eggs, too. Thanks to everyone who sent this in!

LG Optimus One sells 1 million units in its first 40 days

LG has announced that the sales of its Optimus One (check out our hands-on) line has hit the 1 million mark -- in just 40 days. That's a huge milestone, and it's worth noting the phone hasn't hit the shelves on Verizon just yet (though variants are on Sprint and T-Mobile). Ask anyone who has used one, and it's likely they won't be surprised. It's an extremely solid phone, the software is well designed and works just as intended, and the price is right. Add in a budding hacking community and the Optimus line is one worth looking at. The full press release is after the break.

Google Shopper updated to version 1.3 for better filters, featured lists

Here in the states, we are about a week-and-half away from one of largest shopping days in America: Black Friday. The day after people stuff their faces with Turkey, crowds of people bum rush retailers just to get that "big" TV or "in" toy for half price. But instead of running the risk of being trampled by raging soccer moms at 5 a.m., a wise team over at Google just made shopping a bit more easier.

Google has just updated the Google Shopper app in the Android Market. The new update brings the app to version 1.3. As noted on the Google Mobile Blog, the update carries new search filters that allow users to filter by price and brand. In addition, the app now features -- well, a new "featured lists." The lists let you browse suggested gifts and let you know where the best place to get them at. So instead of trying to fend of some women swinging her purse at you for that microSD card -- remember, a Googler made shopping for the cheap deals a bit easier for you. [Google Mobile Blog]

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